Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-17

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 8.0)

In many countries, governments face the difficult decision of how to invest in public transportation. While some people argue that large amounts of money should be spent on high-speed railway lines connecting cities, others believe that improving existing public transport systems should be given greater priority. This essay will discuss both views before arguing that investment in existing transport is generally more beneficial.

On the one hand, constructing high-speed railways can bring significant economic and social benefits. Fast trains can reduce travelling time between major cities, making it easier for people to commute, do business and travel for leisure. In addition, high-speed rail can reduce dependence on cars and domestic flights, which may help decrease traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Once the necessary infrastructure has been built, railways can also provide a reliable and efficient way of transporting large numbers of passengers.

On the other hand, improving existing public transport may have a more immediate impact on a larger proportion of the population. In many cities, buses, trains and metro systems are overcrowded, unreliable or poorly maintained. Investing in additional vehicles, better stations, improved routes and more frequent services could make daily journeys easier for millions of people. Furthermore, upgrading an existing system is often less expensive and less disruptive than constructing an entirely new high-speed railway network. This is particularly important in developing countries, where governments may have limited resources and many urgent transportation needs.

In my view, both forms of investment can be valuable, but governments should first ensure that existing public transport is affordable, safe and efficient. High-speed rail is most useful when there is already a strong transport network and sufficient demand for rapid connections between major cities. Therefore, rather than concentrating spending exclusively on new high-speed lines, governments should allocate substantial resources to improving current systems while developing high-speed rail where it is economically and socially justified.

In conclusion, high-speed railways can improve connections between cities and provide environmental benefits, whereas upgrading existing public transport can improve everyday mobility for a much wider population. A balanced approach that addresses current transport problems while selectively developing high-speed rail is likely to provide the broadest benefits.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The student has fully addressed all parts of the task. Both views—constructing high-speed railway lines and improving existing public transport—are clearly discussed with relevant supporting arguments provided for each. Furthermore, the writer's own opinion is stated clearly in the introduction and reinforced effectively throughout the body paragraphs and the conclusion. Ideas are well developed and extended logically, such as highlighting the immediate impact of upgrading current networks versus the long-term strategic value of high-speed rail. The response meets all the requirements of Band 8 by covering all parts of the task well and presenting a fully developed position.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, moving smoothly through balanced body paragraphs discussing both sides, and culminating in a nuanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used skilfully and naturally, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In my view', ensuring that relationships between ideas are transparent without ever feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is managed appropriately and effectively aids the overall structure, earning a solid Band 8 score for cohesion and coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an academic response. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are used effectively throughout the text, such as 'infrastructure', 'traffic congestion', 'carbon emissions', and 'economically and socially justified'. Word choice is generally precise and appropriate, with only occasional minor inaccuracies. Spelling and word formation are consistently accurate. The range of vocabulary easily satisfies the criteria for Band 7, with occasional glimpses of more sophisticated usage approaching Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, successfully blending complex sentences with error-free simple structures. Examples of complex phrasing include 'While some people argue that...', 'Once the necessary infrastructure has been built...', and 'High-speed rail is most useful when there is already a strong transport network...'. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and punctuation is handled with a high degree of precision. Minor errors are practically non-existent, demonstrating the strong control typical of a Band 8 performance.

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